
Class JlLtLMi^ 

Book ^(sS- 

Goi)yiiglitll°_ 



COPYRIGHT DFJPOSir. 



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MODERN PLUMBING '"^ 



^OrW TO FIX 

By 
GILBERT BOOTH 



Helpful Hints for the Property Owner, 

Handy Man, Caretaker, Rental 

Agents Etc. 

Things a Housewife should know 

about the Home Plumbing 

Advice and Valuable Information 

TRADE SECRETS 



Siipenop Publishing Co. 

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 



v^*- 



^^V 



Copyrighted 1916 

by 

GILBERT BOOTH 



V 

o 



FEB 19 1916 

©aA418905 
>t><5 / 



FORE^VORD 

The writer's intention in the preparation 
of this valuable booklet, and drawings, to 
make the plans and information that are 
contained herein of special value and assis- 
tance to any ambitious person, who is ever 
alert to find out ways and means, and hints 
and suggestions on how to fix and repair all 
kinds of fixtures relating to plumbing. 
Things that seem strange to you now, will, 
after having studied this book, appear quite 
easy. We learn by doing, and practice makes 
perfect. 

With the assistance of the information 
contained herein it will be possible to earn 
while you learn. 

The knowledge attained by the writer is 
the result of seventeen years of experience 
and work, and should prove of special value 
to any ambitious person, no matter where 
they are. 



The writer's object is to make these ar- 
ticles clear and simple to the layman and to 
save the property owner or agent many times 
the cost of this book. 

If parents would train their sons to learn 
these valuable lessons they would be doing 
a whole lot toward making them proficient in 
life's battles. 

A person that knows how to fix and repair 
all kinds of plumbing need never be out of 
work. 

This information book will save the owner 
many times its cost. 

It will be a great help in keeping the plumb- 
ing in the home in a sanitary condition, there- 
by preserving the health of the family. 

GILBERT BOOTH. 



HOW TO FIX 

HOW TO FIX FAUCETS, 
TAPS ETC. 

The tap used over the sink is the one fau- 
cet which generally gets out of order of tener 
than any other faucet used in the home or 
building. 

In fixing a faucet first turn off water from 
the house. Then take a monkey wrench and 
unscrew the top of faucet where the square 
shoulder is, then turn the tee handle the 
reverse way as if to open up the faucet to 
let water run out. A few turns this way 
and the top should lift out, then a new washer 
can be put on in place of the old one. If this 
new washer does not stop the water from 
dripping it is best to get a new tap. 

In putting washers on bath faucets, care 
must be taken to get washer on the right 
way (see figs. 1, 2, and 3.) 

Where a round ball washer is used the nar- 
row part of washer must be put on first and 
always have a small brass washer on the back 
of rubber washer to keep it in place. 



MODERN PLUMBING 

The bath faucets are very easy to fix and 
lots of women make a practice of repairing all 
the taps around the home. 

What a person needs to do is to watch how 
the washers are already put on after the fau- 
cet has been disconnected. If after getting 
them apart some difficulty is experienced in 
putting washers on so they don't leak, study 
figures 1, 2 and 3 carefully. After having 
once got them fixed right it will be an easy 
matter to renew them whenever they need 
renewing. 



c^^. 




Fig. 1. 

When the water refuses to run through the 
tap very fast it is generally found to be 
caused through the rubber washer or gasket 
being swollen and expanded inside of tap. A 

6 



new washer is all that is necessary to allow 
a good flow of water to pass through the fau- 



cet. 



BRASS WASHBk. 




NOTICE HOW WASHER IS PUT ON 
SMALL END FIRST 



Fig. 2. 

When the faucet rattles or shakes when in 
use, a new washer is needed. 




Fig. 3, 



MODERN PLUMBING 

TAKING CARE OF PLUMBING FIXTURES 
DURING COLD WEATHER. 

Property owners and others interested in 
the care of property will save themselves 
much worry and expense by adopting the 
following system, when property is vacant : 

All water pipes leading to and in the house 
to be drained. This should be done by first 
having water turned off WHERE it comes in 
the house. All pipes inside of house fixed 
to drain toward the cut-off valve. 

After water is turned off, open the faucets 
to allow the air to enter and let water drain 
out. Always be careful to empty the hot 
water boiler by opening the small valve at 
the bottom of boiler. 

8 



HOW TO FIX 

All flush boxes and toilet bowls should be 
drained free from water. 

A few handfuls of salt should be put in 
the bowl to stop the sewer gas from coming 
up through the trap of bowl. 

Always put salt in the traps of the sink and 
wash basins, this can be done by pouring 
salt through strainer in sink or basin. 

When the time comes to have water turned 
in the house again the usual trouble of 
bursted pipes, broken fixtures, etc., will have 
been practically eliminated. 



MODERN PLUMBING 

CAUSE OF TOILET BOX FLUSHING ALL 
THE TIME. 

If there is a water meter installed on the 
premises this matter of water wastage is a 
very expensive item. 

This generally happens where the tank or 
box is fixed high up close to the ceiling. After 
the chain has been pulled and the water 
keeps up a constant flushing down the bowl 
either the washers need attention or the sy- 
phon. 

The syphon, or what is sometimes called 
the gooseneck, inside of tank will have to be 
rewasherd. 

The proper kind of washer to put on is 
what is called a feather edge washer. After 
the new washer has been put on and the wa- 
ter still keeps up the flushing every time 
the chain is pulled, the dirt and dust will have 
to be cleaned from the tiny opening on top of 
the syphon. 

10 



HOW TO FIX 

By doing this the air is allowed to enter 
syphon after the box has been emptied there 
by breaking the action of syphon and allow- 
ing water to run in box and fill to its proper 
height, which is about an inch and a half 
below the small air inlet on the syphon. 



/^ 



VBNT 



11 



MODERN PLUMBING 

M^ashbasiins or Lavatories 

One of the most important measures to be 
taken, for the health of individuals and one 
which is very often overlooked, through not 
knowing where the danger lies. 

The writer has often been called in to some 
of the finest homes to locate foul odors in the 
rooms where wash basins and lavatories had 
been installed for a number of year, also in 
bathrooms fitted up with washbasins. In 
most cases the cause of the trouble has been 
found in the overflow in the washbasin, 
(See Fig. 4.) 

An overflow from a washbasin is the grate 
or opening generally made to serve as a soap 
tray as well. 

When the basin is in use the dirt and soap 
generally mix on the surface of the water 
and is splashed down in this grate or over- 
flow where it cannot be seen ; very soon this 
sediment begins to give off a very offensive 
odor and unless a person is enlightened as 
to its whereabouts it is liable to cause sore 
throat or other afflictions, on account of it 
being, as one might say, under one's nose. 
12 



HOW TO FIX 

The best thing to do is to get a kettle full 
of boiling water and pour down through the 
grate of overflow, lye is a very good article 
to use at the same time as the water is be- 
ing poured down, as it helps to cut the 
grease. 




Fig. 4. 



13 



MODERN PLUMBING 

Great care must be taken if the washbowl 
is made of porcelain not to get the water too 
hot when pouring down the overflow, as boil- 
ing water may crack the basin, but if the ba- 
sin is made of enameled iron boiling water 
may be used with safety. This cleansing 
process ought to be done once a week and 
then there will not be any further trouble 
from this source. A good disinfectant then 
should be used and poured down the over- 
flow. 

The drawing on the opposite page will help 
to make the meaning clearer to one unaccus- 
tomed to the different makes of plumbing 
fixtures. 

A plunger is a good thing to have in the 
home to use on the traps and sink pipes. 
When used on the sink pipes it helps to loos- 
en up the grease and sediment. 
14 



HOW TO FIX 

mow TO FIX 
^H^ATER CLOSETS ETC. 

In making reference to this most particular 
branch of the plumbing in a residence or 
building of any kind, it is the writer's ob- 
ject to impress upon the reader's mind that 
serious results very often arise from neglect- 
ing to keep the fixture in proper working or- 
der. 

If the bowl should happen to get stopped 
up or clogged at any time it should be fixed 
immediately it is detected. (See Fig. 5, 
where stoppage generally occurs.) 

In most cases a plunger or what is some- 
times called a plumber's friend will by forc- 
ing up and down in bowl succeed in dislodg- 
ing tbfj^^obstruction. 

15 



MODERN PLUMBING 

In pouring slop water down closet bowl, 
care should be taken to see that no cakes of 
soap or mop rags are allowed to fall in. When 
a piece of soap gets clogged in the trap it is 

very difficult to dislodge. 

If a toilet bowl refuses to syphon, or the 
water tank when flushed refuses to clear the 
contents of the bowl, there must be a stop- 
page in the bowl. 

The way to do first is to shut off the water 
from entering the closet tank or flush box; 
this can be done by turning off small valve on 
the toilet supply pipe ; then flush the tank to 
let out what water remains, and dip out the 
water in bottom of tank so no more water 
can enter the bowl. Then take a dipper or 
some small vessel and empty the bowl by 
dipping the water out. 

Get a small piece of looking glass or mir- 
ror, have it small enough to fit down in bot- 
tom of bowl so that by holding it facing up- 
ward toward the outgoing opening of bowl 
it will be possible to see up into the bowl 
16 



HOW TO FIX 



through the mirror what is causing the stop- 
page. Then by taking a small piece of wire 
with one end bent like a fish-hook it is some- 
times possible to pull down the obstruction. 



TANK 



^ SLIP JOINTS 

ARROW SHOWS WHERE STOPPAGE 
OCCURS 




Fig. 5. " 

If this method does not give the desired re- 
sult the next best thing to do will be to take 
down the tank. 

17 



MODERN PLUMBING 

This can be done by taking a Stillson 
wrench and unscrewing the slip joints on the 
bowl and under the tank. Then take out the 
screws that hold the bowl to the floor and 
lift up the bowl. Take outside to some con- 
venient place where it can be cleaned. Place 
the bowl wrong end up and get the hose and 
turn a stream of water through the bowl. 

This method nearly always forces out 
whatever is in the bowl or leg of the trap. 
To make sure that the bowl is clear take a 
small rock about an inch or two in diameter 
and let run through the bowl by upending 
the bowl. By doing this one can satisfy 
themselves that the bowl is clear of any ob- 
struction. 

Another way to remove any object that 
may be in the bowl is to get a washer or some 
such thing heavy enough to run through the 
bowl. Tie this to the string, then let the 
weight run through the bowl till it shows 
through the bottom end of bowl. Then fas- 
ten a strong piece of rope to the string al- 
ready in the bowl. On the end of rope fasten 
a small sack or cloth and then pull the whole 
thing through the bowl. 
.18 



HOW TO FIX 

This method always removes the obstruc- 
tion, 

After the bowl has been cleansed set back 
in position with a thick layer of putty or a 
rubber gasket and bolt down to floor as be- 
fore. Then screw tank back to its original 
place on the wall, and make the connection 
with elbow, with the slip joints packed with 
thick string or tape. Then tighten up the 
slip joints with a wrench so that when the 
toilet is flushed they will not leak. The 
small supply pipe that supplies the tank with 
water can be made tight at the connection 
with a small rubber gasket or washer. 



19 



MODERN PLUMBING 

HOW TO CLEAN TOILET BOWL AND 
IMPROVE THE FLUSHING. 

In order to clean off the sediment and ac- 
cumulation which always collects on the in- 
side of toilet bowls the first thing to do is to 
stop the water from entering the tank or 
flush box. This can be done by fastening up 
the copper float or ball inside of tank. This 
stops the water from coming in the tank. 

When this has been done dip all the water 
out of the bowl with a small vessel and dry 
with cloths. After the bowl has been thor- 
oughly dried get a pint of Muriatic Acid and 
pour down the overflow pipe which is inside 
of the tank. (See Fig. 6.) 

Great care should be taken when pouring 
acid not to let it come in contact with the 
rubber washers inside of tank. By pouring 
the acid down this way through the overflow 
it removes all obstructions inside of the bowl 
which cannot be got at any other way to 
cleanse. This method also greatly improves 
the flushing of bowl thereby making it clean 
and sanitary. 

20 



HOW TO FIX 

Care must be taken not to let a particle of 
water run down in the bowl while the acid 
is being used on the bowl. 

The accompanying drawing will help to 
make clear and show the workings of the 
tank. After acid has been allowed to stand 
in bowl about a half hour, water can then be 
allowed to run to flush the bowl. 

In cases where the flush tank is high up, 
close to ceiling, proceed as explained before 
The only difference is that the acid will have 
to be poured down through the flush pipe 
leading from the tank down to the bowl. 

While the bowl is free from water after the 
acid has been poured down through the over- 
flow pipe, pour a little acid around the inside 

of bowl. This helps to loosen up the sedi- 
21 



MODERN PLUMBING 

ment that collects on the inside of toilet 
bowls, which is very objectionable. After 
leaving acid in for about half an hour it can 

TO CLEAN BOWL WITH ACID 
POUR DOWN OVERFLOW AT ARROW 




Fig. 6. 

be easily cleaned off. Always be very careful 
not to get any of the acid on the hands or 
clothing. 



22 



HOW TO FIX 

THE CARE OF S^II^KS^ 

In referring to this part of the plumbing 
in the kitchen where the grease and dish- 
water accumulate most, it is vital that the 
closest watch be kept to insure its cleanliness 
and always to have it free from unpleasant 
odors. (See Fig. 7.) The first thing to do: 
A good way is to always keep the drain pipes 
clean and free from filth, and by taking the 
small set screw or trap screw generally found 
under the sink, out, and cleaning the trap, 
it will help a whole lot to keep the water from 
smelling, and coming back up in the kitchen. 
If the pipes should become clogged further 
on down, a stout wire should be inserted in 
the pipe and forced down till the water runs 
away freely; this method always cleans the 
inside of the pipes so that the grease and 
sediment may pass on down in the main 
drain. 

23 



MODERN PLUMBING 

After a drain pipe or a sink pipe has been 
thoroughly cleansed in this manner, a pail 
full of boiling water should be poured down 
the sink along with the contents of a can of 
lye or some good disinfectant; this method 
scours the sides of pipes and is a very good 




3r^ "^ ^ WASTE TO SEWER 

Fig. 7. 

thing to do one or twice each week. Don't 
v/ait till the drain pipes begin to clog, but 
make it one of your weekly chores to devote 
just a few minutes to the most important 
part of the plumbing system in the home. 

24 



HOW TO FIX 

HOW TO CLEAN WASTE PIPE FROM 
BATH TUBS. 

When waste pipes stop up from the bath 
tub the cause is generally to be found in the 
pipes directly connected to the tub, and lead- 
ing through the floor. (Fig. 8.) 

By inserting a thin wire with a small twist 
on the end to hook any obstruction that may 
be in the first few joints, such as lint, etc., it 
is possible by putting the wire through the 
grate or waste opening in bottom of tub to 
draw out the obstruction. These things 
things nearly always collect at this point. 

If the stoppage seems to be further on 
down the pipes it is advisable to work on the 
pipes from underneath the floor. If the pipes 
are located in basement and can be easily 
got to in order to clean and fiXy so much the 
better. When the lead pipes are clogged take 
a pocket knife and insert blade in top of pipe, 
open up about an inch and make opening wide 
enough to allow for a wire to be inserted in 
pipe. Then force wire down pipe toward the 
large four-inch pipe which connects with 
main sewer. This method forces the grease 
25 



MODERN PLUMBING 

and sediment out of pipes. After the pipes 
have been forced out, turn a good stream of 
hot or boiling water down in the pipes. Al- 
ways take care to close the opening made in 
the pipe. In order to close up the lead pipe 
where it has been cut open to allow the wires 
to be inserted, take a hammer and tap the 
sides of the lead pipe on each side of where 
the pipe was opened so as to allow the lead to 
come close together on top of pipe. Then 
take a penknife and scrape the lead around 
this point. By scraping the lead the solder 
will stick to it. This method makes it easy 
to solder lead pipes. Then take a small piece 
of soldering fluid or stick solder, which can 
be bought at any hardware store for a few 
cents, and with the aid of a small soldering 
iron, which must be heated by holding in gas 
flame or fire. When iron has been heated 
26 



HOW TO FIX 

enough so it will melt the piece of solder, hold 
the solder over where opening has been cut 
and melt the solder to the pipe, taking great 
care not to melt the pipe. Resin or candle 
grease smeared on helps to make the solder 
stick to the lead or brass. This method is 
very simple and any one can save themselves 
many dollars by doing these little jobs them- 
selves. 

Cutting the pipes will in no way injure 
the plumbing. Great care must be taken not 
to hold soldering iron too long in one spot 
when repairing lead pipes. 

In some cases there is what is called a 
cleanout — that is, a brass plug fixed so it can 
be screwed out with a monkey wrench and 
the wires forced in the pipes. 

Illustration shows where stoppage gener- 
ally occurs in bath tubs. 

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HOW TO FIX 

THE DANGER OF SEWER GAS ESCAPING 
IN BATHROOMS, BASEMENTS, ETC. 

The author of this book has happened 
across so many cases where sewer gas has 
been escaping into the home exposing the 
members of the family to the ever present 
germs of disease. 

In numberless cases the joint on the floor 
that connects the closet bowl to the soil pipe 
leading to the sewer, is made and set with 
putty. After a little while this putty sets 
hard and shrinks, drys and crumbles. The 
illustration (fig. 9) shows just exactly where 
the sewer gases, that do so much to under- 
mine a person's health, escape into the house. 
Every person interested in the sanitary con- 
dition of the plumbing in their homes should 
see that this most particular joint of the 
whole plumbing system is in perfect order 
and strictly sanitary. The old style putty 
joint should be done away with altogether. 
29 



MODERN PLUMBING 

Putty joints should not be tolerated in any 
shape or form in a building. Every home 
owner should insist on this one joint being 




\A T^TTYJOIWT 



Fig. 9. 

made sanitary with a regular brass flange 
and rubber gasket. A few dollars spent in 
this direction will no doubt save a good many 
dollars in curing sore throats. 



30 



HOW TO FIX 

BOX OR TANK REFUSING TO WORK 

PROPERLY. 

When the tank is what is termed a low 
tank and will not flush when the press button 
is pushed down, the trouble is generally found 
to be caused through the wire or flush ball. 
If the wire has broken away from the rubber 
flush ball a new flush ball will have to be in- 
stalled. This can be unscrewed very easily 
by holding the rubber with one hand and 
turning the small wire with the other. Then 
screw the new flush ball on the wire with the 
threads on. 

In some cases the trouble is caused by not 
having enough water in tank to flush the 
bowl. To allow more water to enter tank 
hold the rod with the float on with one hand 
and lift or bend up the brass rod with the 
other hand till the water stands in tank to 
the height of about an inch from top of over- 
flow pipe. 

When the water runs down the overflow 
pipe after the tank has been filled up and 
keeps up a constant stream, the cause is very 
often found to be through the copper float 
leaking and getting full of water. In this 
31 



MODERN PLUMBING 

case the best and cheapest way is to get a 
new copper float or ball and replace in tank. 
This can be done by holding the brass rod 
with a pair of pliers and unscrewing the cop- 
per float. If after this has been installed the 
water still leaks into the tank, the washers 
in the valves will need renewing. To renew 
the washer in the valve which controls the 
supply to the tank, first shut off water; then 
take out the small set-screws that hold the 
valve. These can be taken out with a pair 
of pliers and a screwdriver. Then screw off 

32 



HOW TO FIX 

the brass cap and get a small piece of black 
rubber and cut a small disk of it to fit the 
cap. Put back the same way as taken apart 
and turn on water. 
Fig. 10 shows working of tank. 



6 



O 



m 



^ 



O' 



D 



A -COPPER rbOAT 
B-I/ALVE 



Fig. 10. 



33 



iMODERN PLUMBING 

THE FLOOR OR CELLAR DRAIN— HOW 
TO KEEP SANITARY. 

The drain in the cellar floor is a constant 
source of trouble if not properly attended to. 
This is the place, if any, in the home, that 
sewer gas is more liable to escape up into the 
house. The dirt and dust that is generally 
found in and around the floor drain makes 
them more liable to have the water seal of 
trap evaporate. If the seal of trap is broken 
this allows the foul air to come up through 
the trap from the main drain. This must 
be attended to or else the occupants of the 
dwelling will be exposed to all kinds of odors. 
Always flush this fixture once a week, and 
by using a hose to flush the trap, it can be 
34 



HOW TO FIX 

kept sanitary. The author has come across 
so many cases where complaints of sewer gas 
have been traced to the neglect of these traps 
and drains in cellars. A good disinfectant 
should always be used around a floor drain. 




Fig. 11. 

The arrows show where sediment and filth 
always collect in these drains. (Fig. 11.) 



35 



MODERN PLUMBING 

M^ATER JACKETS 

The right way to fix the water jacket in the 
kitchen range or stove, which any one with 
ordinary intelligence can do just as well as 
your local plumber, or stove man : 

When the water in the stove or range boiler 
starts to pound and rattle or make a hammer- 
ing noise when the faucets are being used, it 
is a sure sign that there is something wrong 
with the water jacket or coil. This matter 
should be attended to right away, for, if let 
go too long, may be attended with serious re- 
sults. When a jacket is not cleaned regu- 
larly, it has a tendency to burst. 

The first thing to do is to let the fire die 
out in stove, then connect the garden hose 
to the faucet or tap generally placed at the 
bottom of boiler or tank. (See Fig. 12.) On 
the top of the tank there should be a stop 
valve or shutoff , so that the water may be 
shut off while the tank or jacket is being 
fixed. This valve regulates the hot water 
supply through the house. When anything 
goes wrong with the hot water faucets or 
pipes, by using this valve the cold water may 



HOW TO FIX 

be turned on just as usual. In such cases 
where there is no valve regulating the hot 
water, the only thing to do is to shut down 
the water supply to the house. This valve 
is generally found underneath the floor or in 
the basement. In most cases the water sup- 
ply enters the house from the front street. 

When it is necessary to drain the boiler, 
turn off water first and then plug the pipe 
up where it enters the top of the boiler. Then 
turn on cold water again. After the tank 
has been emptied, the water front or jacket 
can be disconnected by unscrewing the unions 
first, and then the pipes. A person ought to 
have a pair of Stillson wrenches to do this 
kind of work. Then the side plates should 
be removed from inside of stove ; this makes 
it easier to remove the jacket. The jacket 
can be taken outside to some convenient place 
where v/ater can be turned in it to clean out 
sediment and lime, which is the cause of the 
water pounding in boiler when fire is lit in 
stove. 

37 



MODERN PLUMBING 

The next step now is to take a long piece 
of iron pipe or thin bar iron about a quarter 
of an inch thick and thin enough to fit down 
in jacket — about two feet long is ample — 
sharpen the end of iron so it will cut the 
alkali or lime and sharp enough to scrape the 
sides of jacket clean and free from sediment. 
If the alkali has set hard in the jacket it will 
be best to take a hammer and tap the sides 
of jacket very gently so as not to crack 
jacket. This method helps to loosen sedi- 
ment, and with a hose flush out with water. 
Always be sure the jacket is clean. This can 
be tested by letting the water run in through 
one of the openings in the jacket. If the 
water runs out from the other openings then 
you will be sure the jacket is in good condi- 
tion and ready for connection to range boiler 
again. 

In some cases a jacket or coil becomes so 
thoroughly choked up that it is almost im- 
possible to clean in the ordinary way. When 
this occurs, the best thing to do is to get a 



38 



HOW TO FIX 

pint of Muriatic Acid and pour in one end of 
jacked and let stand about a day, then empty- 
out old acid and pour some more in till the 
jacket shows some sign of being clean. If 
the jacket does not yield to this treatment, 
the only thing to do is to get a new jacket or 
water back from your local hardware 
dealer or agent for that particular stove or 
range. 

In the winter time during a cold period if 
there is no fire lit in stove, jackets very often 
freeze up. If there is any doubt at all about 
water being frozen in jacket, the best way to 
do is to find out first. The best way to find 
out if the water is all right is by turning on 
the hot water faucet over the kitchen sink. 
If the water runs a continual stream, then 
one can be satisfied that ^he water has a cir- 
culation through the boiler and jacket and it 
will be safe to build a fire. If there was any 
freeze up at all the water would not run 

39 



MODERN PLUMBING 

through the boiler. When a boiler freezes 
up it is a hard matter to thaw out. About 
the best way to do would be to light a small 
oil stove or some such thing underneath the 
boiler or as close as possible to the boiler and 
thaw out gradually. Always open the draw- 
off valve underneath the boiler after having 
first turned off water at the top of boiler. By 
following these simple rules and instructions, 
it will be possible to reduce to a minimum the 
danger that might otherwise be fraught with 
serious results. There have been more acci- 
dents with range boilers through jackets be- 
ing frozen up than from any other known 
cause. The safest way is the best way and 
this rule can be applied to this one of kitchen 
stoves. ' » X ^ , 

40 



HOW TO FIX 

CONNECTING RANGES 

To connect a water jacket or coil from the 
kitchen range to the boiler, great care should 
be taken to give the pipes a gradual rise and 
fall. The pipes leading from the stove to 
boiler should be connected as near like the 
drawing as possible. (See Fig. 12.) Never use 
less than %-inch pipe when making a range 
connection. Always leave a tee fitting on the 
bottom pipe so a faucet can be attached. By- 
having a faucet, water can be drained from 
boiler. A good way to help keep the water 

jacket clean is to run the water off from this 
41 



MODERN PLUMBING 

faucet every week. Two or three buckets of 
water taken out this way every week will do 
a whole lot toward keeping jacket free from 
sediment and rust. 




A-DRAIN VALVE 
BrUNlONS 
C-STOP VALVE 



Fig. 12. 



42 



HOW TO FIX 

CAUSE OF WATER IN GAUGE GLASS OF 

LOW PRESSURE STEAM BOILER 

JUMPING. 

Where there is a small heating plant in use 
such as is used in apartment houses, stores, 
churches, etc., it has been found that by blow- 
ing out or flushing the boiler every year there 
is a considerable saving of coal. The gauge 
glass will denote when this is necessary. The 
water in glass v/ill keep up a constant jump- 
ing motion when boiler is being fired. The 
glass will also be discolored with rust, mak- 
ing it difficult to see just how much water 
there is in boiler. All this is caused through 
the rust and sediment always found in the 
bottom of boilers, which should never be al- 
lowed to remain very long. 
43 



MODERN PLUMBING 

To get the full amount of steam from the 

amount of fuel consumed, this matter should 

be remedied. The way to do this is to first 

take out with a large wrench the plugs from 

the sides of boiler. This allows the sediment 

to all run out of the bottom of boiler. 

Next take off the safety valve from 

top of boiler and attach the hose to the 

opening and force a stream of water 

through till all signs of rust have disappeared 

and water becomes clear. Then pour a little 

oil on the threads of plugs (linseed oil will do) 

and screw them back in. After the openings 

have been made tight fill up with water till 

the water shows in glass. The proper height 

for the water in gauge glass is about three 

inches from the top of glass. Never let the 

water drop any lower than this for safety. 

44 



HOW TO FIX 

CARE OF HOT M^ATER 
FURNACES 

In apartment houses, residences, office 
buildings, etc., there is nearly always in- 
stalled a heating apparatus, either steam or 
hot water systems. 

Now any one who is not familiar with the 
workings of either of these systems may un- 
knowingly cause a great deal of damage. If 
the reader owns a heating plant of his own 
a careful study of this article will probably 
save him much grief and expense and he will 
always be on the safe side. 

Where there is a hot water system installed 
in the home it is always advisable to look the 
whole system over before the time comes to 
start the fire. The boiler needs the most at- 
tention. The first thing to do is to make 
sure that there is sufficient water in the 
45 



MODERN PLUMBING 

boiler arxd radiators. Nearly all Hot Water 
boilers have v/hat is called an Indicator or 
Altitude Gauge. (See Fig. 14.) This enables 
a person to tell just how much water there 
is in the boiler and radiators. The red finger 
on the gauge denotes the height of water in 
the system, and when once properly adjusted 
ought never to be moved. The black finger 
on the gauge is the one that moves up and 
down according to the height of water pres- 
sure in the boiler. When the v/ater is at the 
proper height this black finger should be on 
a line with the red finger or somewhere close 
to it. V/hen the black finger is down to the 
nothing mark it indicates that there is an 
entire absence of water or the system is not 
in good working order. 

46 



HOW TO FIX 

Always try the highest radiator to ascer- 
tain if the water is up to that point by open- 
ing the small pet valve always found on the 




Fig. 14. 

end of hot water radiators. If the water is- 
sues from this point, then it will be safe to 
light a fire in furnace. In filling a hot water 
system always turn the water in before the 
fire is started. 



47 






MODERN PLUMBING 



A steam or hot water system should al- 
ways be equipped with a draw-off valve placed 
at the lowest point of boiler. In freezing 
weather the water should be drained out of 
boiler when the house is vacant or system 
not in use. This can be done by attaching a 
hose to the draw-off valve, generally found 
at the bottom of boiler, and letting the water 
run out to some convenient place, such as a 
sink or drain of some kind. By taking this 
precaution much expense can be saved by 
eliminating the cause. When the time comes 
that furnace is to be used, it is an easy mat- 
ter to fill up with water again. 

Always be sure to open air valves on end 
of radiators when emptying hot water sys- 
tem. . , . 






8. 



